WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Many of you are getting ready for your Thanksgiving feast tomorrow but there are some who may not be as fortunate. All too often folks in our area go hungry, and it's the area food banks and other organizations that put food in their bellies. Providing meals to the needy on a consistent basis though means a lot of food must be donated.

"We have to have around 400 tons of salvaged food in order for our soup kitchen to serve the 70,000 plus meals they need every single year," said Jenny Lee, administrative assistant for Good Shepherd Center.

Area food banks and organizations like the Good Shepherd Center see an increase in donations around the holiday season, but the need is year-round. Good Shepherd Center says for those in need, the meal they receive from a soup kitchen is often their only one for the day.

"Our guest are really appreciative. They're grateful when they come in here because like I said this one meal may be their only meal," Lee said. "Our volunteers have that tough job of taking all the miscellaneous food donated items and creating this well balanced, nutritious meal for our guest."

The volunteer cooks at Good Shepard are magicians of sorts, whipping up great tasting meals with the donated food. Assistant cook Tim Bloom says there are some items that food banks can use to make their meals even better.

"What we're lacking in the last couple of years that we have seen is a lot of fruit and vegetables," Bloom said. "We'd like to do a better job cooking more fresh (food) for the people; we can only cook what we have."

So while we are thankful for all we have, take time to remember those that may not be as fortunate. Many will be in the giving spirit in the coming weeks but don't forget that the need is always there.

The Good Shepherd center says if you want to donate any food items or even your time as a volunteer, you can visit them at 811 Martin Street in Wilmington.

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